The homeowners liked the idea of two-toned kitchen cabinets, so we opted for a combination of pure white and charcoal gray for dramatic contrast. Brushed gold fixtures and statement brass pulls add warmth and sophistication. The distinctive quartzite counters are a showstopper, with unique veining and striking color variation, from blue to gray to ochre. The shimmering blue-gray backsplash unites the entire space. The overall goal was to create an expansive entertaining kitchen that could accommodate our clients’ large gatherings of family and friends, and provide them with several zones for prepping, serving, seating, and socializing.

Kitchen - coastal kitchen idea in Portland Maine

Juxtaposing a Southern Colorado setting with a Moorish feel, North Star Ranch explores a distinctive Mediterranean architectural style in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The owner raises cutting horses, but has spent much of her free time traveling the world. She has brought art and artifacts from those journeys into her home, and they work in combination to establish an uncommon mood. The stone floor, stucco and plaster walls, troweled stucco exterior, and heavy beam and trussed ceilings welcome guests as they enter the home. Open spaces for socializing, both outdoor and in, are what those guests experience but to ensure the owner's privacy, certain spaces such as the master suite and office can be essentially 'locked off' from the rest of the home. Even in the context of the region's extraordinary rock formations, North Star Ranch conveys a strong sense of personality.

After more than a decade in their new Alexandria home, our clients decided their kitchen was ready for a major refresh, both in form and function. The original stained wood cabinets and granite countertops had served them well, but the traditional design no longer fit with their evolving style which had become less formal and more transitional. The homeowners liked the idea of two-toned kitchen cabinets, so we opted for a combination of pure white and charcoal gray for dramatic contrast. Brushed gold fixtures and statement brass pulls add warmth and sophistication. The distinctive quartzite counters are a showstopper, with unique veining and striking color variation, from blue to gray to ochre. The shimmering blue-gray backsplash unites the entire space. The overall goal was to create an expansive entertaining kitchen that could accommodate our clients’ large gatherings of family and friends, and provide them with several zones for prepping, serving, seating, and socializing. Also high on the clients’ wish list: a more generous island, professional appliances, and better storage. We expanded the island in two directions to allow for comfortable seating at the counter with plenty of room for a table in the breakfast nook. An expandable bar height table in the adjacent dining area offers even more flexibility for eating and socializing. We designed a custom hutch which has a multitude of storage options and functionality – open display shelves, roll-outs, drawers, extra counter/serving space, as well as a beverage fridge and appliance garage/coffee center. On the opposite side of the kitchen, we replaced a small pantry closet with a furniture style built-in that took advantage of underutilized space. Anticipating issues with supply chain, we opted to use a local cabinet maker on this project which allowed us to fully customize the cabinets for optimal functionality. Other stand-out features include a Thermador appliance package, workstation farmhouse sink, ‘touch’ faucet, hot+cold water dispenser, and hidden toe-kick storage. Our clients now have a beautiful, cohesive space that reflects their personal style and fulfills their dream of a having an expansive kitchen where they can cook and entertain for years to come.

Example of a transitional bathroom design in Orange County

Large window changes the once "back of house" room to a space where you want to socialize and cook.
Kitchen - contemporary u-shaped brown floor and dark wood floor kitchen idea in Chicago with quartzite countertops, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and white countertops

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz
Example of an eclectic living room design in Chicago

Sunset on cypress.
Example of a 1950s beige two-story wood house exterior design in San Francisco with a metal roof and a black roof

Beach Grove Social transforms a dated 3-bed, 2.5-bath into a modern, moody home made for entertaining. Vaulted cedar ceilings and triangular clerestories bathe white oak and graphite finishes in soft light, while a linear hearth anchors the open living–dining core. The reimagined kitchen hides the daily clutter with a concealed appliance garage and a grain-matched door to the laundry, keeping surfaces calm. Full-width sliders dissolve the boundary to a terrace designed for gatherings. Three new bathrooms—each tailored to its user—pair refined materials with serene lighting to deliver sophisticated, restorative spaces.

Beach Grove Social transforms a dated 3-bed, 2.5-bath into a modern, moody home made for entertaining. Vaulted cedar ceilings and triangular clerestories bathe white oak and graphite finishes in soft light, while a linear hearth anchors the open living–dining core. The reimagined kitchen hides the daily clutter with a concealed appliance garage and a grain-matched door to the laundry, keeping surfaces calm. Full-width sliders dissolve the boundary to a terrace designed for gatherings. Three new bathrooms—each tailored to its user—pair refined materials with serene lighting to deliver sophisticated, restorative spaces.

Indoor-outdoor dining.
1950s light wood floor and beige floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in San Francisco with beige walls

Winemaker's presentation.
Inspiration for a 1950s wine cellar remodel in San Francisco

This craftsman style kitchen was designed by Carmel Kitchens & Baths using Rutt's Morgan series cabinetry in a rift-cut white oak.
Example of a large mountain style u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and brown countertops

Inspiration for a 1960s home bar remodel in San Francisco

Emerald quartzite shadow play.
1960s master double-sink open shower photo in San Francisco with open cabinets, green cabinets and a floating vanity

A panoramic view of the primary social hub featuring a massive waterfall-edge island. The design highlights the seamless integration of natural stone surfaces with wide-plank white oak flooring. The removal of structural walls has created a direct sightline into the family room, emphasizing the scale of the dual-island layout.

Emily Andrews
Living room - contemporary open concept dark wood floor living room idea in New York with a music area, a standard fireplace and no tv

Beach style gray floor bathroom photo in Other with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, white countertops and a floating vanity

The renovation of this Wallingford craftsman-style bungalow is a thoughtful mix of contemporary ideals within the traditional language of the existing home. Overall, the house was in good shape, but there were unique changes the owner wanted to promote socializing and cooking, relatable to the craftsman style, setting an eclectic balance. Natural light transforms the space. The vaulted ceiling and five over-sized skylights, plus glass doors allow sunlight to pour through and fill the kitchen and social space with tons of daylight. To extend the kitchen, the busiest room in the home, a NanaWall opens to a tiered deck with a connection to the backyard and intimate garden views. There is an in-kitchen Wood Stone pizza oven. An 18-foot long island runs the length of the kitchen where homemade pizzas are made, plus it conceals a shuffleboard table. A black metal wall holds eight beer taps and a surface for creativity. The tatami room serves as an adaptive space – for eating, sleeping, playing games, and socializing.